DIFFICULTIES DISAPPEAR.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXV, Issue 13, 14 January 1913, Page 5

DIFFICULTIES DISAPPEAR.

THE PREMIER AT DARGAVILL f

A BUOYANT REVENUE

(Per Press Association.) Dargaville, January 14

The Hon. Mr Massey had an enthusiastic reception on arrival last night, and was subsequently entertained at a public social. In a speech, the Premier said that f he difficulties, so far as local finance was concerned, were rapidly disappearing, but a difficulty still existed in regard „to loan money. which was not controlled by local conditions. He quoted figures to show that the revenue for the quarter ended December 31st, had increased by £111,192, and expenditure had decreased oy £-1981. These figures, he said, indicated a buoyant revenue, together with economy in expenditure. The net gain of arrivals over departures in 1912 was 8927, against 4200 in 1911, and 3408 in 1910. With the exception of loan money, the Dominion was never in a more prosperous condition than to-day.

Mr Massey asserted that the Government was sticking to its pledges, and particularly referred to the freehold policy, the abolition of patronage in the public service, and an elective Upper House, which last-mentioned reform he hoped to see carried next session, or at anyrate before the end vof the present Parliament.